A rally has been called in Melbourne to increase pressure on the Bracks’ government over the issue of public transport. The rally has been organised by the ‘Community Campaign for Public Transport’ of which the Socialist Party helped initiate. The details of the rally are: 5pm Thursday 9th November 2006 at the State Library, corner of Swanston & Latrobe Streets City.

The demands that the Community Campaign for Public Transport has put forward are:
-Free public transport for all
-Bring public transport back into public hands
-For a massive extension to the public transport system.
Speaking on the day will be representitives from the Socialist Party, Greens, Public Transport Users Association, Socialist Alliance and student groups. Comedian Rod Qantock will be the MC.

Yarra City Councillor and Victorian election candidate in the seat of Richmond, Stephen Jolly said “The money the State government is currently wasting on propping up private companies in the public transport sector would be much better spent on expanding the system.

“The Bracks government minister for transport is in reality only a minister for roads. They are more interested in building freeways than putting money into the public transport system. I promise that there will be resistance in the City of Yarra to the extension of the Eastern Freeway and the tunnel in Clifton Hill. It is certain that the government will announce this after the election.

“Also before November 2007, the Victorian government will be forced to make a decision on whether to renew private contracts with Connex and Yarra Trams, or take the public transport system back into public hands.

“The problems that have plagued the system, including safety and quality of service, have been prolonged and heightened by the running of public services by private companies for profit.

“Privatisation has cost $1.2 billion more than under a public system, and well over $2.1 billion by 2010. The expiry of private contracts in 2008 provides a cheap and efficient opportunity to right the wrongs of an insufficient and ailing public transport system.” Stephen said.

For more information or interviews contact the SP National Office on 03 9639 9111.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 at 10:49 am and is filed under Australian news and analysis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.